Review of Don't Look Now (1936) by Chris L — 19 Oct 2009

What a unqique movie. When I thought I had seen it all, an almost 40-year-old movie like this comes along and teaches me a dire lesson in film. This bleak, sad but powerful movie was one of the most fascinating watches I've ever seen.

First off, the structure in which it presents its story is "Jenga-d" so well together that it made sure I was staying put, piecing this mystery together and watching the main characters intently.

The opening with the death sequence was so compelling in its visuals and sound that I was drawn into the movie, immediately. I doubt I'll ever be as sucked into a movie as fast as I was with this one.

Nicholas Roeg had a firm grip on his directing choices to give a flawless effort. Amazingly edited, effective use of slow-mo, zoom ins and a ton of subtle hints throughout. He also made the most realisitic love scene I've ever seen on film.

A+. The characters wouldn't have worked as well if the actors portraying them weren't any good. Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie played off eachother wonderously and gave realistic, charming and brave performances.

Excellent work from both of them. Now, even though you always had the feeling "something bad was going to happen," I'm pretty sure that was the movie's intent. The visuals, use of sound, and storyline in itself gives you a sense of dread, even though it could be a beautiful setting with happy music (excellent score by Pino Donaggio).

Very impressed that they could pull that off. The unpredictable finale worked well and drained me in its unsettling, creepy and offbeat manner. Didn't see that coming at all! If you're sick of the teeny bop re-hash trend Hollywood seems to love as of late, hunt this movie down right now.

One that will make you think, feel, freak you out and keep you guessing. This is a landmark and very important movie for the genre. I don't have one complaint for it. It's one of the best movies I've ever seen, period.

Hunt it down and get ready to be wowed.